This report was updated September 3 at 2:30 pm with input from the First Selectman.

Newtown Police Captain Joe Rios is poised to retire to take a position advising the Norwalk School District, according to Police Chief James Viadero. The news was first telegraphed in a school board addendum posted on the city's district website indicating that approval to appoint the Newtown official was slated for action.

"The Norwalk Board of Education approved his appointment at their last meeting," Chief Viadero told

The Newtown Bee. "In discussion with him, he's planning to give a (resignation) letter to the Police Commission Tuesday evening. His retirement won't be formal until he gives the police commssioners his notice."

A posted on-line report last updated September 1 by Nancy Chapman who maintains a local news and information site called

Nancy On Norwalk, indicates at its August 30 meeting, the Norwalk Board of Education hired Capt Rios to become the city's School Preparedness Safety Officer.

The hiring was unanimously endorsed by the board, it was reported.

First Selectman Pat Llodra said while the community "will miss his service here in Newtown, I wish him well in this new venture."

"I do have kind words and the greatest respect for Joe," Mrs Llodra said. "I appreciate his many years of service to Newtown, and celebrate for him this new opportunity in Norwalk. Joe and his family have been part of our community for many years, and his service as a police officer has been has been strong and consistent for decades."

Newtown State Rep Mitch Bolinsky posted a comment to the article saying, "Newtown's loss is certainly Norwalk's gain. Captain Rios is a class guy, a genuinely kind person and a dedicated public servant. He'll be missed both personally and professionally by us but will be an incredible asset in his new role. May you have endless opportunities to grow and be happy, my friend."

According to the item by Ms Chapman, Capt Rios will be able to train NPS security staff himself, negating the need to outsource that function, and will systematically develop a long term security plan for every school.

Also in that report, Norwalk Superintendent of Schools Steven Adamowski said, "We are very grateful to (Norwalk Police Chief Thomas) Kulhawik for referring him and recommending him to us in the first place. We have very good set of candidates for this position but Mr. Rios really rose to the top in terms of his persona and presumptive relationships with students."

Chief Viadero said after 26 years of service to the Newtown department, "it is going to be a loss to our agency, but he is a great officer."

"We understand the move. It's a good career move and on behalf of the entire department, we wish him well," Chief Viadero said. "After being a police officer for so many years, sometimes it's good to move on. I think he's making a good career decision, and doing what's best for him and his family."

An email request for comment from Capt Rios was not immediately returned.

The Bee will provide any updates to this report ahead of and following Tuesday's Police Commission meeting